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NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION NORTHEAST REGION WWW .NBLSA.ORG/NEBLSA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONVENTION ANNOUNCEMENT ....................................................................................3 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS .....................................................................................................4 REGISTRATION INFORMATION......................................................................................6 HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS ..........................................................................................7 TRANSPORTATION ........................................................................................................8 CONVENTION SCHEDULE PREVIEW ..............................................................................9 2012-2013 REGIONAL BOARD OPPORTUNITIES ........................................................12 CHAPTER OF THE YEAR INFORMATION ....................................................................13 PLENARY GUIDE .........................................................................................................15
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“UNITED, WE CLIMB”
Kendra Brown CHAIR Vermont Law School
Nyasha Foy VICE CHAIR New York Law School
Morgan Fletcher SECRETARY Rutgers Law School
Shameeka Quallo TREASURER Rutgers Law School
Patrice Dixon CNNE SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR Northeastern School of Law
NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION REGIONAL CONVENTION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2012 – SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012 WEST HARRISON, NY THE ANNUAL NORTHEAST BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION REGIONAL CONVENTION IS APPROACHING! THE CONVENTION WILL BRING TOGETHER BLSA MEMBERS FROM 33 DIFFERENT LAW SCHOOLS IN THE NORTHEAST REGION. THE 2012 CONVENTION WILL FEATURE PROGRAMMING TO ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO SUCCEED AND EXCEL AS LAW STUDENTS, PRACTITIONERS AND OTHER LEGAL PROFESSIONALS.
Camille Patterson CONNECTICUT SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR University of Connecticut Law School
Husain Gatlin NY METRO SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR Seton Hall Law School
THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (NBLSA) WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1968 AND IS THE LARGEST STUDENT-RUN ORGANIZATION IN AMERICA WITH 200 CHAPTERS AT LAW SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THE NORTHEAST REGION IS COMPRISED OF 8 STATES INCLUDING, CONNECTICUT, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, RHODE ISLAND AND VERMONT.
Tyrone Blackburn COMMUNITY SERVICE DIRECTOR Seton Hall Law School
Dalayna Tillman DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING Vermont Law School
Ricky Armand PRE-LAW DIVISION DIRECTOR Vermont Law School
THE REGIONAL CONVENTION WILL CONSIST OF A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS, NETWORKING RECEPTIONS, A REGIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT, AND A JOB FAIR. ADDITIONALLY, THE REGIONAL ROUNDS OF THE NATIONAL THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL AND FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITIONS WILL TAKE PLACE DURING THE CONVENTION AND THE FINALISTS WILL ADVANCE ON TO THE NATIONAL COMPETITION IN WASHINGTON, DC. WE ARE PROUD TO BE MEMBERS OF SUCH A GREAT ORGANIZATION AND PART OF A DYNAMIC REGION.
Edwyn Macelus DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP New York Law School
Taffeta White PARLIAMENTARIAN Northeastern School of Law
Maurice Williams JOB FAIR COORDINATOR Touro Law School
Danielle McGee ALUMNI AFFAIRS DIRECTOR Quinnipiac Law School
PLEASE SEE THE INFORMATION BELOW REGARDING CONVENTION REGISTRATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS. REGISTER BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2011 TO AVOID LATE FEES. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE NORTHEAST REGIONAL CONVENTION, PLEASE EMAIL NEBLSA.REGIONALCONVENTION@GMAIL.COM. BEST REGARDS, THE 2011-2012 NEBLSA REGIONAL BOARD
Nicole Fisher ATTORNEY GENERAL Seton Hall Law School
Camille Gould UPSTATE NY SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR University of Buffalo School of Law
Richard Young THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION DIRECTOR Harvard Law School
Stephanie Floris-Brinkley DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL ACTION Pace Law School
Sheryl Furnari FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITION DIRECTOR Suffolk Law School
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T HE 2012 NEBLSA AWARDS GALA SPEAKER _______________________________________________________________
SUSAN L. TAYLOR EDITOR- IN- CHIEF EMERITUS OF ESSENCE MAGAZINE AND FOUNDER, NATIONAL CARES MENTORING MOVEMENT SUSAN L. TAYLOR IS SYNONYMOUS WITH ESSENCE MAGAZINE, THE BRAND SHE BUILT—AS ITS FASHION AND BEAUTY EDITOR, AS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR. FOR 27 YEARS SHE AUTHORED OF ONE OF THE MAGAZINE’S MOST POPULAR COLUMNS, IN THE SPIRIT. FOR NEARLY THREE DECADES, AS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND ONE OF THE MOST CELEBRATED BLACKOWNED BUSINESSES OF OUR TIME, SUSAN T AYLOR IS A LEGEND IN THE MAGAZINE PUBLISHING WORLD. SHE WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS OF AMERICA WITH THE HENRY JOHNSON FISHER AWARD—THE INDUSTRY'S HIGHEST HONOR—AND THE FIRST TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGAZINE EDITORS HALL OF FAME. SHE IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE NAACP PRESIDENT'S AWARD FOR VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND HAS HONORARY DEGREES FROM MORE THAN A DOZEN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. A FOURTH-GENERATION ENTREPRENEUR, SUSAN GREW UP IN HARLEM WORKING WITH HER FATHER IN HIS WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE. SHE FOUNDED HER OWN COSMETICS COMPANY, A FIRST FOR BLACK WOMEN, WHICH LED TO THE BEAUTY EDITOR’S POSITION AT ESSENCE. SHE IS THE AUTHOR OF FOUR BOOKS: IN THE SPIRIT: THE INSPIRATIONAL WRITINGS OF SUSAN L. TAYLOR; LESSONS IN LIVING; CONFIRMATION: THE SPIRITUAL WISDOM THAT HAS SHAPED OUR LIVES, WHICH SHE COAUTHORED WITH HER HUSBAND, KHEPHRA BURNS; AND HER MOST RECENT, ALL ABOUT LOVE, FAVORITE SELECTIONS FROM IN THE SPIRIT ON LIVING FEARLESSLY. SHE IS A MUCH SOUGHT-AFTER SPEAKER, INSPIRING HOPE AND ENCOURAGING US TO RECLAIM OUR LIVES AND CREATE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES. SHE IS AN AVID SUPPORTER OF A HOST OF ORGANIZATIONS DEDICATED TO MOVING THE BLACK COMMUNITY FORWARD, BUT HER PASSION AND FOCUS TODAY IS THE NATIONAL CARES MENTORING MOVEMENT, A CALL TO ACTION, WHICH SHE FOUNDED IN 2006 AS ESSENCE CARES. THE CARES MENTORING MOVEMENT IS A MASSIVE CAMPAIGN TO RECRUIT ONE MILLION ABLE ADULTS TO HELP SECURE OUR CHILDREN WHO ARE IN PERIL AND LOSING GROUND. “NOT ON OUR WATCH!” SHE SAYS. “OUR CHILDREN ARE THE MOTHERS AND FATHERS OF OUR TOMORROWS, AND THEIR FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS.” THE GOALS OF THE CARES MOVEMENT ARE TO INCREASE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS, END THE VIOLENCE IN BLACK COMMUNITIES AND THE OVER-INCARCERATION OF OUR YOUNG. “CREATING SAFE, TOP-TIER SCHOOLS IN EVERY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY IN THIS NATION IS THE MANDATE—AND IT’S DOABLE,” TAYLOR SAYS. SUSAN IS A COFOUNDER OF FUTURE PAC, THE FIRST NATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE DEVOTED TO PROVIDING A NETWORK OF SUPPORT AND SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR PROGRESSIVE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN SEEKING FEDERAL AND STATE-LEVEL POLITICAL OFFICES. SHE IS CO-CHAIR WITH DANNY GLOVER OF SHARED INTEREST, A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO RAISE MONEY TO BUILD HOUSING IN THE RURAL AREAS OF SOUTH AFRICA, AND SERVES ON THE BOARDS OF THE JOINT CENTER FOR POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STUDIES AND THE NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER. SHE HAS WORKED PASSIONATELY TO HELP RESTORE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE IN NEW ORLEANS AND THE GULF COAST REGION WHO WERE DEVASTATED BY HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA.
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T HE 2012 NEBLSA DIVERSITY LUNCHEON SPEAKER _______________________________________________________________
TRACY RICHELLE HIGH PARTNER, SULLIVAN & CROMWELL TRACY RICHELLE HIGH IS A MEMBER OF S&C’S LITIGATION GROUP AND OF ITS CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND INVESTIGATIONS PRACTICE. MS. HIGH’S PRACTICE FOCUSES ON REPRESENTING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER CORPORATIONS IN REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS AND CORPORATE INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS. SHE HAS REPRESENTED CLIENTS RESPONDING TO REGULATORY REQUESTS AND INQUIRIES INITIATED BY THE U.S. SENATE PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, NEW YORK STATE BANKING DEPARTMENT, THE OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL, NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, PHILADELPHIA STOCK EXCHANGE, CHICAGO BOARD OF EXAMINERS, NEW YORK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE AND INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS APPOINTED BY COURT ORDER. SHE ALSO HAS REPRESENTED CLIENTS IN RELATED CIVIL LITIGATION, INCLUDING SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE AND CLASS ACTION SUITS. MS. HIGH IS CO-CHAIR OF THE FIRM’S DIVERSITY COMMITTEE AND CO-CHAIR OF THE WOMEN’S INITIATIVE COMMITTEE. SHE IS A TRUSTEE OF THE FEDERAL BAR COUNCIL AND CO-CHAIR OF THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. MS. HIGH IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE OF THE NEW YORK CITY BAR ASSOCIATION, AND A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL WOMEN. IN 2011, THE NATIONAL LAW JOURNAL RECOGNIZED MS. HIGH IN ITS “MINORITY 40 UNDER 40,” A LIST OF MINORITY LAWYERS WHO HAVE HAD SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE IN THEIR PRACTICE AREAS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS. ALSO IN 2011, MULTICULTURAL LAW PROFILED MS. HIGH AS ONE OF ITS “DIVERSITY ADVOCATES” FOR HER IMPLEMENTATION AND COORDINATION OF SEVERAL OF S&C’S DIVERSITY PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES.
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CONVENTION REGISTRATION INFORMATION _______________________________________________________________
REGISTRATION FEES INCLUDE ALL MEALS, RECEPTIONS, ACCESS TO WORKSHOPS, COMPETITIONS AND SOCIAL EVENTS. REGISTER SEPARATELY FOR YOUR HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS (SEE BELOW). A LATE FEE OF $25 APPLIES TO ALL REGISTRANTS AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2011. THERE WILL BE NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION. THE FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, JANUARY 23. ALL FEES MUST BE PAID PRIOR TO CONVENTION. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS.
REGISTRATION FEES*: NBLSA MEMBER DELEGATE COMPETITOR/COACH GUEST/NON-BLSA MEMBER PRE-LAW DIVISION MEMBER BAILIFFS
$110 $110 $85 $150 $35 **
*ALL DUES MUST BE PAID BY NOVEMBER 15, 2011 TO QUALIFY AS A NBLSA MEMBER/COMPETITOR. ** VOLUNTEERS FOR BAILIFFS ARE NEEDED. DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT SHERYL FURNARI AT NEFDMC@GMAIL.COM OR RICHARD YOUNG AT NEBLSA.MOCKTRIAL@GMAIL.COM. PLEASE COMPLETE REGISTRATION ONLINE HERE: HTTPS://CUSTOMER67479B47.PORTAL.PRODUCTION.MEMBERSUITE.COM/EVENTS/VIEWEVENT.ASPX?CONTEXTID=8659D9FD-0078-4BCA-943B-840C5F8D75E5
YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO REGISTER ONLINE:
FIRST AND LAST NAME SCHOOL E-MAIL ADDRESS EXPECTED YEAR OF GRADUATION EXPECTED DATE OF ARRIVAL (PLEASE NOTE THAT COMPETITORS MUST ARRIVE BY 1/25/2012) NAME OF UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION AND YEAR OF GRADUATION T-SHIRT SIZE INDICATE IF YOU ARE A DELEGATE/COMPETITOR/COACH/PRACTITIONER/PRE-LAW DIVISION MEMBER/GUEST SPECIAL PREFERENCES OR REQUIREMENTS (DIETARY, MOBILITY, ETC.)
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HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS _______________________________________________________________
DELIGHT IN THE RESORT ATMOSPHERE OF THE RENAISSANCE WESTCHESTER HOTEL IN WHITE PLAINS, NY, NESTLED ON 30 ACRES OF SCENIC COUNTRYSIDE IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ONLY 35 MINUTES FROM NEW YORK CITY, THIS LUXURIOUS WESTCHESTER COUNTY AIRPORT HOTEL IS NEAR HISTORIC HUDSON VALLEY ATTRACTIONS, PREMIER SHOPPING AND CHALLENGING GOLF COURSES. GUESTS CAN ENJOY A VARIETY OF AMENITIES. EXPERIENCE A WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK HOTEL THAT EXPERTLY COMBINES LUXURY, NATURE AND AFFORDABILITY AT THE RENAISSANCE WESTCHESTER HOTEL. LOCATION:
RENAISSANCE WESTCHESTER HOTEL 80 WEST RED OAK LANE WEST HARRISON, NY 10604
RATE:
$119
DOUBLE ACCOMMODATIONS – STANDARD ROOM WITH 2 DOUBLE BEDS *RATES APPLICABLE FOR ROOM NIGHTS JANUARY 25 – 29, 2012
RENAISSANCE WESTCHESTER HOTEL RESERVATIONS INFORMATION: CALL (800) 891-2696 OR BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.RENAISSANCEWESTCHESTER.COM MENTION THE NORTHEAST BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION REGIONAL CONVENTION WHEN MAKING RESERVATIONS! WHEN MAKING RESERVATIONS ONLINE YOU MUST INSERT YOUR CHECK-IN DATE, CHECK-OUT DATE & THEN CLICK ON THE + SIGN NEXT TO SPECIAL RATES AND AWARDS. CLICK THE CIRCLE WHICH SAYS GROUP CODE. THEN TYPE IN YOUR GROUP CODE IN THE BOX (NORNORA) TO QUALIFY FOR THE SPECIAL GROUP RATE. RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO JANUARY 11, 2012 IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE SPECIAL GROUP RATE OF $119.00 RATES DO NOT INCLUDE APPLICABLE TAXES AND SURCHARGES.
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TRANSPORTATION _______________________________________________________________
THE WESTCHESTER RENAISSANCE IS LOCATED IN WHITE PLAINS, NY. THE CLOSEST AIRPORTS ARE: WHITE PLAINS (HPN – 6 MILES AWAY), NEW YORK’S LA GUARDIA (LGA – 30 MILES AWAY), NEW YORK’S JOHN F. KENNEDY (JFK – 40 MILES AWAY), NEWARK INTERNATIONAL (NWK – 40 MILES AWAY). THE CLOSEST TRAIN STATION (MTA) IS THE WHITE PLAINS MTA STOP (HARLEM LINE). DIRECTIONS FOR OVERALL INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT HTTP://WWW.MARRIOTT.COM/HOTELS/MAPS/TRAVEL/HPNSH-RENAISSANCEWESTCHESTER-HOTEL/. ESTIMATED DRIVE TIME NYC – 35 MIN.
BOSTON – 3 HOURS AND 30 MIN.
HARTFORD/NEW HAVEN – 1 HOUR 45 MIN.
BY TRAIN (5 MILES AWAY FROM THE WHITE PLAINS STATION) THE WHITE PLAINS STOP IN ON THE HARLEM LINE (MTA) FAST, CONVENIENT SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FROM ON THE MTA. HTTP://WWW.MTA.INFO/ HTTP://WWW.AMTRAK.COM BY BUS (4 MILES AWAY FROM THE STATION) WHITE PLAINS BUS STATION HTTP://WWW.GREYHOUND.COM/ 800-231-2222 PARKING COMPLIMENTARY PARKING IS AVAILABLE AT THE WESTCHESTER RENAISSANCE FOR HOTEL GUESTS AND CONFERENCE ATTENDEES.
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PROGRAMMING PREVIEW _______________________________________________________________
THE FOLLOWING IS A PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF CONVENTION PROGRAMMING. AN UPDATED SCHEDULE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN JANUARY. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2012 ATTIRE: BUSINESS DRESS 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
REGISTRATION
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WELCOME RECEPTION
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
COMPETITION MEETINGS (MANDATORY FOR ALL COMPETITORS) THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2012
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
ZUMBA EXERCISE CLASS
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
REGISTRATION
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
PRELIMINARY THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION ROUNDS PRELIMINARY FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITION ROUNDS
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
NEBLSA COMMUNITY SERVICE
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PLENARY SESSION
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
PANEL ON EDUCATION AND THE LAW
8:00 PM – 11:30 PM
MOVIE VIEWING: “WAITING FOR SUPERMAN” FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
ZUMBA EXERCISE CLASS
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
REGISTRATION
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
TMMTC AND FDMCC SEMI AND QUARTER-FINAL ROUNDS
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CHAPTER OF THE YEAR INTERVIEWS
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9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
NEBLSA COMMUNITY SERVICE: DKMS BONE MARROW DRIVE
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
PANEL: FINANCING LAW SCHOOL WITH GL ADVISOR
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
DIVERSITY LUNCHEON SPEAKER: TRACY HIGH, PARTNER – SULLIVAN & CROMWELL
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
PLENARY SESSION
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
ALUMNI RECEPTION
9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
SOCIAL EVENT SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
ZUMBA EXERCISE CLASS
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST/REGISTRATION
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
COMPETITIONS: FINAL ROUNDS
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
PLENARY SESSION
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
PRE-LAW DIVISION PROGRAMMING
10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
JOB FAIR & CAREER EXPO
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
PANEL: EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITY: THE LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
DEAN’S LUNCHEON
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
PANEL: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE TOWN HALL MEETING
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
PLENARY SESSION – ELECTIONS
7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
PRE-GALA RECEPTION
7:45 PM – 10:00 PM
AWARDS GALA
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11:00 PM – 2:00 AM
AFTER PARTY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012
9:30 AM -11:00 AM
MORNING INSPIRATIONAL BREAKFAST
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
NEBLSA EXECUTIVE BOARD TRANSITION MEETING ALL ELECTED OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND ANY INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN BEING APPOINTED TO AVAILABLE POSITIONS ON THE 2011-2012 NEBLSA EXECUTIVE BOARD. *ALL SCHEDULING IS SUBJECT TO TIME AND SUBJECT MATTER CHANGES.
WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US AT THE WESTCHESTER RENAISSANCE!
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2012- 2013 REGIONAL BOARD OPPORTUNITIES _______________________________________________________________
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR A POSITION ON NEXT YEAR’S NEBLSA EXECUTIVE BOARD? THE ADVANTAGES OF JOINING THE 2012 – 2013 BOARD ARE ENDLESS. LEARN VALUABLE LEADERSHIP SKILLS, GET THE INSIDE SCOOP ON EVENTS, ENJOY EXCLUSIVE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING, PLEASE REVIEW THE 2012 – 2013 ELECTION PACKET FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. THE ELECTION PACKET MAY BE FOUND AT WWW.NBLSA.ORG/NEBLSA AS WELL AS THE NEBLSA MEMBERS ONEHUB GROUP. THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS WILL BE ELECTED AT THE CONVENTION: REGIONAL CHAIR REGIONAL VICE CHAIR REGIONAL SECRETARY REGIONAL TREASURER REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITION REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING REGIONAL ATTORNEY GENERAL SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTORS (4) THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE 2012 – 2013 REGIONAL CHAIR. CANDIDATES INTERESTED IN THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS SHOULD PLAN TO ATTEND THE APPOINTED OFFICERS MEETING ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012: REGIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN REGIONAL CONVENTION COORDINATOR REGIONAL JOB FAIR COORDINATOR REGIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE PRE-LAW DIVISION REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RELATIONS REGIONAL HISTORIAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL ACTION IF YOU HAVE ANY GENERAL QUESTIONS OR INQUIRIES REGARDING APPLYING FOR A POSITION, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING CURRENT REGIONAL BOARD MEMBERS FOR INFORMATION REGARDING POSITIONS: KENDRA BROWN – CHAIR NYASHA FOY – VICE-CHAIR MORGAN FLETCHER – SECRETARY/HISTORIAN SHAMEEKA QUALLO – TREASURER PATRICE DIXON – CNNE SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR CAMILLE PATTERSON – CT SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR HUSAIN GATLIN – NY METRO SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR CAMILLE GOULD – UPSTATE NY SUB-REGIONAL DIRECTOR SHERYL FUMARI – FDMCC DIRECTOR
RICHARD YOUNG – TMTTC DIRECTOR TYRONE BLACKBURN – DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE DALAYNA TILLMAN – DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING NICOLE FISHER – ATTORNEY GENERAL RICKY ARMAND – PRE-LAW DIVISION DIRECTOR EDWYN MACELUS – DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP TAFFETA WHITE - PARLIAMENTARIAN MAURICE WILLIAMS– JOB FAIR COORDINATOR
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CHAPTER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION _______________________________________________________________ EACH WINTER, THE NORTHEASTERN REGION OF THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION SELECTS OUR REGION’S CHAPTER OF THE YEAR. A NEBLSA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR IS A CHAPTER THAT HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN ITS COMMUNITIES (INCLUDING THE EXECUTION OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL INITIATIVES), AND HAS IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF ITS LAW SCHOOL WHILE BUILDING THE LEGACY OF NBLSA. THERE ARE THREE PARTS TO THE PROCESS OF BECOMING CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AS OUTLINED BELOW. •
SUBMIT THE APPLICATION: EACH CHAPTER MUST FILL OUT THE APPLICATION (AS PROVIDED IN THE NATIONAL PROGRAMMING GUIDE AND POSTED ON THE MEMBERS ONEHUB GROUP) AND SUBMIT ANY OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION REQUESTED. THESE MATERIALS SHOULD BE COMPLETE, TYPED AND MUST BE RECEIVED VIA EMAIL TO NEBLSACOMMUNITYSERVICEDIRECTOR@GMAIL.COM ON OR BEFORE 11:00 PM EDT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2012.
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CREATE A SCRAPBOOK: EACH CHAPTER SHOULD CONSTRUCT A SCRAPBOOK THAT VISUALLY AND CREATIVELY DOCUMENTS ALL OF THE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS THAT YOUR CHAPTER HAS PARTICIPATED IN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. PLEASE INCLUDE ATTENDANCE RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION WITH YOUR SCRAPBOOK SUBMISSION. THE SCRAPBOOK MUST BE RECEIVED VIA HAND-DELIVERY AT THE CONVENTION SITE ON OR BEFORE 11:00 AM EDT ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2012. THE SCRAPBOOK WILL NOT BE RETURNED TO YOU UNTIL AFTER THE NATIONAL CONVENTION. o
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PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS THE CHAPTER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE APPLICATION MATERIALS AND SCRAPBOOK ARE RECEIVED ON TIME. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS! IF THE SCRAPBOOK IS LATE, THE CHAPTER WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE POINTS.
ATTEND THE INTERVIEW: PARTICIPATION IN A 20 MINUTE INTERVIEW IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO “SELL” YOUR CHAPTER IN PERSON! EACH CHAPTER PARTICIPATING IN THE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION SHOULD MAKE PLANS TO ARRIVE AT THE CONVENTION SITE ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2012 AND ATTEND THE WELCOME RECEPTION. THE CHAPTER WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE INTERVIEW TIME ON OR BEFORE THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012. THE INTERVIEWS ARE SCHEDULED TO OCCUR BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012. EACH CHAPTER IS ALLOWED TO BRING UP TO 3 MEMBERS TO THE INTERVIEW, ONE OF WHOM SHOULD BE THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT BARRING ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, NEBLSA ENCOURAGES ALL CHAPTERS INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR CHAPTER OF THE YEAR TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN CONVENTION. ALL CHAPTERS APPLYING FOR CHAPTER OF THE YEAR MUST PARTICIPATE IN THE CONVENTION COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2012 AND SEND AT LEAST ONE DELEGATE TO EACH PLENARY SESSION HELD DURING CONVENTION.
EACH CHAPTER WILL BE GRADED ON A NUMERIC SCALE AND CAN RECEIVE A TOTAL OF 150 POINTS. WHILE THE CRITERIA ARE SUBJECTIVE, THE BURDEN IS ON THE CHAPTER TO DEMONSTRATE ITS COMMITMENT TO AND EXECUTION OF THE CRITERIA. THE POINT ALLOCATION APPEARS ON THE NEXT PAGE. FOR THE APPLICATION AND/OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT NEBLSACOMMUNITYSERVICEDIRECTOR@GMAIL.COM. •
• • •
30 PTS
SUBMISSIONS FROM COMPETING CHAPTERS WILL BE GRADED ON THE 2011-2012 CHAPTER OF THE YEAR RUBRIC, AND THEN WEIGHED ACCORDING TO CHAPTER SIZE AND PARTICIPATION IN ORDER TO ENSURE FAIRNESS. THUS, IT IS CRITICAL THAT CHAPTERS CREATE SIGN-IN SHEETS FOR EACH EVENT AND SUBMIT THE APPROPRIATE ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR EACH EVENT DOCUMENTED IN THE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR APPLICATION. ONLY THE CHAPTER WINNING THE REGIONAL CHAPTER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION WILL ADVANCE TO THE NATIONAL CHAPTER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION. CHAPTERS MUST ATTEND 75% OF PLENARY SESSIONS IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION. THE NEBLSA CONVENTION COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT IS REQUIRED FOR CHAPTER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION APPLICANTS. SOCIOPOLITICAL AWARENESS • ATTORNEY GENERAL (15 PTS) • CBC WEEKEND
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• HILL & GOVERNMENT DAYS • POLITICAL AND SOCIAL AWARENESS ACTIVITIES *AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE ABOVE EVENTS, CHAPTERS MAY ALSO EARN POINTS IN THIS AREA IF THEY HAVE EVENTS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES THAT ARE CLOSELY TAILORED TO THE EVENTS THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS ORGANIZED. CHAPTERS MUST SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR SUCH EVENTS TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICE DIRECTOR IN ADVANCE OF PLANNING AND OBTAIN PRE-APPROVAL FOR SUCH EVENTS. • SOCIAL ACTION (15 PTS) 30 PTS
COMMUNITY SERVICE • NATIONAL SERVICE INITIATIVES, REGIONAL SERVICE INITIATIVES, ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMMING
20 PTS
PRE-LAW DIVISION • PRE-LAW PROGRAMMING • LAW CAMP PARTICIPATION
15 PTS
EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING • 1L SUPPORT • PROFESSIONAL CAREER EVENTS •
12 PTS
NATIONAL PROGRAMMING
12 PTS
REGIONAL PROGRAMMING JOB FAIR PARTICIPATION • ACADEMIC RETREAT PARTICIPATION • COMPETITION PARTICIPATION • REGIONAL AND INTRAREGIONAL PARTICIPATION (COMMITTEES, SPONSORSHIP, ETC.) •
10 PTS
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS • H.O.P.E. FOR HAITI • WORLD AIDS DAY • BOOK DRIVE
05 PTS
SOCIAL EVENTS INTERNAL RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT (PARTIES, SOCIALS, MIXERS, DINNERS) •
08 PTS
INTERVIEW
08 PTS
EVENT DOCUMENTATION • SCRAPBOOK • MASTER ATTENDANCE LIST (ATTENDANCE RECORDS) • OPTIONAL – MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION (E.G., SLIDESHOW, VIDEO, ETC.)
150 TOTAL POINTS
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PLENARY GUIDE _______________________________________________________________
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OUTLINES REGIONAL CONVENTION PLENARY RULES FOR 2011 - 2012. THESE RULES MIRROR TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE NEW PLENARY RULES ADOPTED BY THE NATIONAL BOARD FOR THE NATIONAL CONVENTION. WHAT IS PLENARY? CONVENTION PLENARY SESSIONS ARE WHERE THE MAJOR BUSINESS OF THE ASSOCIATION IS HANDLED. PLENARY IS THE PART OF THE CONVENTION DURING WHICH NEBLSA NOMINATES OFFICERS, ELECTS OFFICERS, RECEIVE OFFICER REPORTS, AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS AND/OR CONSTITUTION ARE DISCUSSED AND RATIFIED, AND DELEGATES MAY ADDRESS THE NEBLSA EXECUTIVE BOARD. CONVENTION DELEGATES - REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH OF NEBLSA'S CHAPTERS - MEET IN EFFICIENT AND PRODUCTIVE PLENARY SESSIONS TO OBTAIN A REPORT ON THE CURRENT STATE OF THE ORGANIZATION AND DETERMINE ITS FUTURE DIRECTION.
WHILE PLENARY SESSIONS ARE OPEN TO ALL CONVENTION ATTENDEES, AT LEAST ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH REGISTERED CHAPTER MUST ATTEND. WE INVITE YOU TO OBTAIN AN UNIQUE INSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE OF THE BUSINESS OF NEBLSA. DELEGATE REGISTRATION -
EACH CHAPTER PLANNING TO ATTEND THE REGIONAL CONVENTION MUST REGISTER AT LEAST ONE ATTENDEE AS A DELEGATE. EACH CHAPTER SHALL BE REPRESENTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN THE CHAPTER. o CHAPTERS WITH LESS THAN TEN (10) MEMBERS SHALL HAVE ONE (1) VOTE; o CHAPTERS WITH TEN OR MORE MEMBERS BUT LESS THAN TWENTY-FIVE (25) SHALL HAVE TWO (2) VOTES; o CHAPTERS WITH TWENTY-FIVE (25) OR MORE MEMBERS BUT LESS THAN FIFTY (50) SHALL HAVE THREE (3) VOTES; AND o CHAPTERS WITH FIFTY (50) OR MORE MEMBERS SHALL HAVE FOUR (4) VOTES.
ACCOUNTABILITY -
SIGNING IN AND OUT OF PLENARY o AS DELEGATES ENTER AND EXIT PLENARY SESSIONS AT LEAST ONE PERSON FROM EACH CHAPTER WILL BE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE SERGEANT AT ARMS WHO WILL HAVE A LIST OF ALL REGISTERED CHAPTERS AT THE DOOR. o STATISTICS OF MISSING AND LATE CHAPTERS WILL BE LISTED AND POSTED BEFORE EACH PLENARY SESSION.
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SEAT REQUIREMENT o THERE WILL BE A MINIMUM OF TWO SEATS PROVIDED FOR EACH CHAPTER WITH EXCESS SEATING FOR ALTERNATES AT THE BACK OF THE ROOM. AT LEAST ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH CHAPTER IS REQUIRED TO BE SEATED DURING PLENARY. IF A CHAPTER’S SEAT IS EMPTY THROUGH THE DURATION OF THE SESSION, THAT CHAPTER WILL BE MARKED ABSENT. SPECIAL CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO CHAPTERS WITH ONLY ONE REPRESENTATIVE, HOWEVER, IF THE SEAT IS VACANT FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE SESSION, THAT CHAPTER WILL BE MARKED AS ABSENT.
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DELEGATE INFORMATION o THE SERGEANT AT ARMS WILL COLLECT THE NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION FOR EACH CHAPTER DELEGATE. o UPON ARRIVAL AT CONVENTION DELEGATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THEIR CELL PHONE NUMBERS AND HOTEL ROOM INFORMATION AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE.
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CHAPTERS WHOSE DELEGATES ARE NOT REPRESENTED AT THE BEGINNING OF PLENARY SESSION WILL BE CONTACTED USING THIS INFORMATION. IF A DELEGATE KNOWS THEIR CHAPTER WILL MISS A PLENARY SESSION BEFOREHAND THAT INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED WHEN THE DELEGATE CHECKS IN AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE. DELEGATES MUST PROVIDE THE CONTACT INFORMATION OF THEIR PROXY IF ONE HAS ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED.
PENALTIES -
ABSENCES o CHAPTERS MUST ATTEND 75% OF ALL PLENARY SESSIONS COMBINED (MEANING THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO MISS ONE (1) PLENARY SESSION WITHOUT PENALTIES). o CHAPTERS WHO ARE NOT PRESENT FOR 75% OF ALL PLENARY SESSIONS (AND DO NOT PROVIDE A PROXY) FORFEIT THEIR VOTING PRIVILEGES FOR THE ELECTION OF REGIONAL OFFICERS.
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TARDINESS o A CHAPTER CHECK-IN SHEET WILL BE CHECKED 10 MINUTES AFTER THE DESIGNATED START TIME FOR PLENARY. ANY MISSING CHAPTER DELEGATES WILL BE CONTACTED. o
CHAPTERS 15 OR MORE MINUTES LATE WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING PENALTIES: 1 INFRACTION • NOTIFICATION LETTER SENT TO CHAPTER FACULTY SPONSOR/ADVISOR INDICATING TARDINESS
2 INFRACTIONS • NORTHEAST CHAPTER OF THE YEAR POINT DEDUCTION- AFTER COMPLETION OF PLENARY, ALL CHAPTER’S TARDIES WILL BE CALCULATED. CHAPTERS WITH 2 OR MORE INFRACTIONS WILL NOT RECEIVE FULL POINT ALLOCATION FOR REGIONAL CONVENTION PARTICIPATION AND PLENARY ATTENDANCE. 3 INFRACTIONS • CHAPTER FINE- CHAPTERS WITH 3 OR MORE INFRACTIONS WILL BE FINED $25.00 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT INFRACTION. CHAPTERS WHO REFUSE TO PAY THE FINE MAY HAVE THEIR VOTING PRIVILEGES REVOKED UNTIL THE FINE IS PAID AND/OR WILL BE DEEMED “INACTIVE” FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE UPCOMING ACADEMIC YEAR UNTIL THE FINE IS PAID.
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NOTICE IN THE EVENT OF AN INFRACTION CHAPTER PRESIDENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY THE SERGEANT OF ARMS.
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EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE EVENT OF EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES, PENALTIES ARE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE REGIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN.
ELECTIONS/AMENDMENTS - VOTING o ONLY DELEGATES ARE ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT VOTES ON BEHALF OF THEIR CHAPTER. o AS PER THE PENALTY SECTION, ONLY CHAPTERS WHO HAVE ATTENDED AT LEAST 75% OF PLENARY MAY CAST A VOTE.
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